This bill would create a state-funded paid family and medical leave program for eligible workers needing time off for health issues, childbirth, or family care. It establishes a dedicated state fund to cover leave costs, creates an advisory board to guide implementation, and assigns oversight to the Department of Labor. The program would directly affect employees in the state who qualify for these leave types, requiring employers to provide the benefits. The bill also specifies penalties for businesses failing to comply with the new requirements.
This Pennsylvania House Resolution designates March 31, 2026, as "Black Midwives Day" to honor the contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the state. The resolution highlights the importance of midwifery in addressing maternal health disparities, particularly in Black communities where pregnancy-related mortality rates are significantly higher than national averages. It acknowledges the role of midwives in providing culturally sensitive care and reducing barriers to access in areas with limited maternity health resources. The measure serves as a symbolic recognition rather than establishing new laws or funding requirements.
HB 1881 updates Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Act to modernize requirements for pharmacy technicians and trainees, including new registration qualifications and supervision rules by licensed pharmacists. It adds specific protocols for pharmacies administering injectable medications, biologicals (like vaccines), and immunizations, while requiring detailed reports on vaccine administration. The bill also establishes new standards for clinical laboratory certificates and repeals outdated sections of the original 1961 law. These changes directly affect pharmacies, pharmacy technicians, trainees, and pharmacists who oversee vaccine and medication administration.
This Pennsylvania House resolution (HR 382) urges Congress to extend expanded health insurance subsidies that currently help Pennsylvanians purchase coverage through Pennie, the state's health insurance marketplace. Without extension, these subsidies expire December 31, 2025, causing average premium increases of 102% for Pennie customers - projected to push 150,000 people to lose coverage. The resolution highlights that without the expanded credits, a couple earning $85,000 annually would pay $25,776 yearly for insurance (31% of their income), compared to lower costs under current subsidies. It cites Pennie's 2025 enrollment of nearly 500,000 customers and a 16% drop in new sign-ups since Open Enrollment 2026 as evidence of the need for continued support. The resolution has no legal force but requests congressional action to maintain affordability.
HB 1828 requires health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover all recommended vaccines without requiring patients to pay out-of-pocket costs like copays or deductibles. It directly affects insurance companies by mandating this coverage and patients who rely on insurance for routine immunizations (e.g., childhood vaccines, flu shots). The bill adds penalties for insurers that fail to comply with the coverage requirement. This policy change ensures broader access to vaccines by removing financial barriers under insurance plans.
HB 1697 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to create a state-level False Claims Act, directly affecting healthcare providers, contractors, and organizations receiving state funds (like Medicaid or welfare programs). It makes individuals or entities liable for three times the damages plus penalties if they knowingly submit false claims, make false records, or conceal obligations to the state. The bill establishes "qui tam" lawsuits allowing whistleblowers to sue on behalf of the state and creates a Fraud Prevention and Recovery Account to hold recovered funds. These provisions align Pennsylvania's law with the federal False Claims Act to combat fraud in public spending.
SB 95 amends Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Act to create a 180-day provisional license for pharmacists moving from other states, allowing them to practice without demonstrating competency under Pennsylvania's requirements. It also permits emergency medical services providers to distribute naloxone dose packages for opioid overdose reversal under specific conditions, including a Department of Health standing order and voluntary distribution without liability. Additionally, the bill requires pharmacies to disclose prescription drug prices (brand vs. generic), cost-sharing amounts, and health insurance options upon customer request. These changes aim to improve pharmacist mobility, expand naloxone access, and increase price transparency for consumers.
HB 1445 requires health insurers in Pennsylvania to cover medically necessary health services provided in schools - such as mental health care, behavioral health services, and speech therapy - without denying coverage solely because the service occurs in a school setting. It prohibits insurers from excluding coverage based on location (e.g., through "school setting" or "place of service" exclusions), applying to public, charter, cyber charter, and private schools. Exceptions allow denials if services are provided by unlicensed individuals, are not medically necessary per insurer policies, or conflict with existing legal obligations (like IEPs). This law directly affects students receiving school-based care, insurers, and school entities, ensuring coverage parity for services delivered on school premises.
HB 282 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code (1967) to clarify eligibility rules for individuals receiving medical assistance under public assistance programs. The bill directly affects current and prospective recipients of medical assistance, ensuring consistent application of qualification standards. Key provisions update how eligibility is determined for medical assistance, though specific changes are not detailed in the provided context. The bill passed the House on June 3, 2025, and was referred to the Health & Human Services committee for further review.
HB 1140 requires health insurers and Medicaid/CHIP managed care plans in Pennsylvania to cover all FDA-approved contraceptives - including prescription drugs, devices, emergency contraception (like levonorgestrel), and oral contraceptives - without any out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. It specifically prohibits prior authorization or step therapy for emergency and oral contraceptives, and mandates coverage for sterilization procedures and related services like counseling. The bill directly affects health insurers, managed care plans, and their enrollees by expanding contraceptive coverage under state insurance regulations. It exempts male condoms from coverage requirements but ensures no cost-sharing for covered contraceptive methods.
